Principal Policy Officer

Principal Policy Officer, PARVAN Sexual Assault & Medical and Forensic

• Employment Type: Full Time, Ongoing
• 35 hour working week, in a hybrid working environment
• Lead and manage staff undertaking policy development and evaluation activities and projects for the Ministry of Health and related government agencies addressing current and emerging policy issues in the prevention of and response to violence, abuse and neglect.
• Ensure sound clinical responses to integrated psychosocial medical and forensic responses to violence abuse and neglect with consideration of patient and interagency requirements that are trauma informed and trauma specific.
• Join a team committed to improving the health outcomes for children, young people, adults and families that have experienced violence abuse and neglect

About this role

Are you interested in making a real difference by improving health system responses for children, young people, adults and families who've experienced violence abuse or neglect? If so, then this position is an excellent opportunity to lead a small team working closely with government and non-government agencies to prevent and respond to sexual assault, child abuse and domestic and family violence, with a specific focus on sexual assault and integrated medical and forensic responses.

Crown Clerk Grade 11/12, salary from $149,739 - $73,174 p.a. (plus Super and annual leave loading)

For more information, read the full role description

Working at The Ministry of Health

The Prevention and Response to Violence Abuse and Neglect Unit in Government Relations, Strategy and Violence Prevention Branch Ministry of Health manages a busy and dynamic portfolio which is focused on improving and integrating services across the health and interagency system to prevent and respond to experiences of sexual assault, domestic and family violence and child physical abuse and neglect.

The Unit is responsible for a diverse and interesting range of policy and program work that:

• Leads the development of policy, clinical guidelines and data system and analytics improvements to respond to children, young people, adults and families that have experienced sexual assault, child physical abuse and neglect or domestic and family violence
• Works collaboratively across NSW Health and the government and nongovernment sectors to improve delivery of services for people that have experienced violence abuse and neglect and
• Responds to various health-related reviews and inquiries including the Closing the Gap Targets, NSW Health's Future Health Strategy and the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and their Children

What you'll be doing

The role will lead and manage a team of staff in the development and evaluation of best practice policies, programs, projects, and activities for the Ministry of Health, public health organisations, and related government agencies to support the achievement of NSW Health's objectives in relation to the prevention of and response to violence, abuse and neglect with a particular focus on sexual assault integrated psychosocial medical and forensic responses.

How to apply

All applicants must review the role description and apply by submitting an up-to-date resume (up to 5 pages) and cover letter (1-2 pages) AND attach a response to the two target questions below.

Targeted Questions (1-2 pages)

If you do not include responses to the below questions your application will not be considered.

• Provide an example where you have had to apply critical thinking skills to a complex violence abuse and neglect project initiative. How did you go about identifying and analysing issues, weighing up alternatives and risks, and developing solutions?
• In this role you will be responsible for managing a team which responds to issues which have the potential to result in vicarious trauma. Provide details of the strategies you would put in place to manage the team and yourself while at the same time ensuring timely achievement of work deliverables.

For role related queries or questions contact Mayet Costello on

If we can make some adjustments to the recruitment/interview process, then please contact Lisa Byrne on

Closing Date: 11:59pm Sunday 24 August 2025

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion

At the Ministry of Health, we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and flexible environment which reflects the community and customers we serve. We actively promote the employment of women, people with a disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ community and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

If you identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and would like assistance with your application or to obtain more information on how to apply, please visit The Stepping Up Initiative.

To be eligible for employment in these roles you must be an Australian citizen, or a permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen, or hold a valid visa with permission to work in Australia.

Additional information

• This recruitment may be used to create a Talent Pool for similar future roles (ongoing or temporary) that may arise over the next 18 months.
• For more information on applying visit the Ministry of Health Career portal
• Please note the selection process will include a range of comparative assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role.

Don't miss your chance to embark on this fulfilling journey Apply now

Applications Close: 11:59pm Sunday 24 August 2025